Date: 4/20/25 10:25 am From: hunterjames56 via groups.io <jch95032...> Subject: [southbaybirds] SCVBA - Birdathon - Rock Wrens
Spent the day birding yesterday as part of the Rock Wrens distributed team. Started just before dawn at the John Nicholas trailhead. Was happy to hear three PACIFIC WRENS calling on the path out to Lake Ranch reservoir. Last year, I had only one calling. Still below historical numbers.
Just like last year, there were no Great Horned Owls calling. Would love to understand why they are so prevalent some years and seemingly absent others – weather? food? luck?
Surprised and happy to have a pair of male WOOD DUCKS in the reservoir. First time I have ever seen them there. But I dipped on Pileated Woodpecker at John Nicholas for the first time (though Merlin thought one did a short call later at Sunnyvale Mountain Trailhead – did not count it).
WESTERN TANAGER and CASSINS VIREO were present and calling at various points on the trail, but the Cassin’s numbers were down relative to previous years. Lots of WARBLING VIREOS and BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS.
Headed to Sunnyvale Mountain Trailhead. Not much about. Fewer YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS than in recent years. Had my one and only TOWNSEND’S WARBLER of the day there. Did not have Black-throated Gray Warbler at all, which was surprising.
Both saddles at Loma Prieta were quiet. No Black-chinned Sparrows, no buntings, barely a hummingbird about. For the first time in quite a few years, I dipped on Olive-sided Flycatcher there. Normally reliable. Happy to hear RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH calling, and had my only ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER of the day there. Merlin heard a Purple Martin, but I didn’t (so not counted).
After noting last year that the CLIFF SWALLOW colony at Lexington Reservoir wasn’t there, was happy to see it back this year.
Didn’t bother to check downtown Los Gatos for the Dipper as it has not been reported at all, and has been tough in recent years.
CHIPPING SPARROW calling in Blossom Hill Park. No Lazuli Buntings at Shannon OSP, though I suspect there will be quite a few there soon (last year had many just a bit later). Did have 2 x NORTHERN HOUSE WRENS there.
Vasona had a GREEN HERON and a solitary full breeding plumage RUDDY DUCK. Also one solo GREAT-TAILED GRACKLE, which I had not noted there before.
Los Gatos Creek Trail / Oka Ponds was very quiet. No ducks. But did have SPOTTED SANDPIPER on an island in the creek.
Late day trip to McClellan Ranch, Stevens Creek Reservoir and Canyon and Redwood Gulch road failed to produce the hoped-for Orioles. Final add for the day was HUTTON’S VIREO calling loudly next to the Steven’s Creek Canyon Road.
Overall, only 58 species this year, down quite a bit from 87 last year (mostly due to different routing – didn’t head down to Calero, Bailey, Stiles Ranch).
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
